Westminster, Md., Oct. 13, 2009-Thirty students in the Adult Education program operated by Carroll Community College (Carroll) will participate in a recognition ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Theater in the Scott Center. This is the second annual ceremony the college has organized for adults who have completed General Education (GED) National External Diploma Programs (NEDP), and earned their high school diplomas.

The U.S. House of Representatives has designated Oct. 18 to 23, 2009 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week to raise public awareness of adult education and family literacy, assist adult learners in need of literacy services, and support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs. Carroll's Adult Education ceremony will take place at the closing of this specially designated week.

Carroll Community College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony. Board of Trustees Chair Barbara Biller and Commissioner Julia Gouge will also offer congratulatory remarks. Family and friends of students have been invited to attend the ceremony.

Three student speakers will present their experiences in the program and discuss the importance of receiving their high school diplomas. John Feny began the National External Diploma Program to earn his high school diploma before his 18-year-old son earned his. He also wanted to be able to get a position with the federal government. John earned his diploma in November, 2008, and is currently working for the National Park Service. Nancy Puffenbarger is 44 years old and has worked in food service since dropping out of high school at age 14. She was motivated to earn her diploma to open up more job opportunities; she is also hoping to serve as an example for several family members who are considering getting their high school diplomas. Mark Rumsley is 26 years old and completed the National External Diploma Program in eight months while working over 40 hours a week as a company foreman for a local contractor. He plans to attend college, and he is currently in the process of completing college applications.

"It is so special to have the opportunity to publicly recognize the achievements of our graduates at this event," said Becki Maurio, director of the Adult Education Program. "To have our diploma recognition ceremony coincide with the nationally-designated Adult Education and Family Literacy Week only serves to further highlight the importance and impact of our program at the local level and beyond."

Beginning July 1, 2007, the college began offering Adult Education classes after receiving a state grant to fund the program for eligible Carroll County residents. Prior to that, the Carroll County Public School System administered Adult Education.

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